Rex D. Earl

Rex D. Earl, born in Exeter, Nebraska on June 6, 1928 as the second oldest of five boys, grew up in a sharecropping family.  His family survived the challenging years of the Great Depression, with hard work and essential contributions from all family members – including Rex working an extra job at the local creamery for 25 cents a week.  

From 1946 – 1949, Rex served in the US Army stationed in Panama.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1953.  His academic journey continued at the American Institute for Foreign Trade in Glendale, Arizona where he specialized in foreign trade.  Rex’s business acumen led him to become the owner and manager of multiple regional nursing homes until his retirement in 1984.

During the early 1950’s and as a nod to his educational accomplishments, Rex’s fellow stock car racers nicknamed him “the professor.”  He seamlessly blended his intellect with the thrill of the race track.

Rex married Celeste Macchietto on August 29, 1953 – celebrating their 70^th wedding anniversary just a few months prior to his passing.  He was father to four girls and one boy. 

Rex had an innate ability to repair practically anything or improve its design.  His passion for restoration included a 1941 black Cadillac, a masterpiece – before being ‘deconstructed’ by a two year-old daughter.

Retirement ushered in diverse pursuits as an avid traveler, a single-engine pilot, water skier, licensed sailor and scuba diver.  His creative side found expression in woodworking, crafting multiple wine cabinets, jewelry boxes and tables for family.  Rex’s athletic aptitude led to his completion of marathons in Chicago and New York in his early 60’s, as well as completion of three bike rides across Nebraska.  If Rex wasn’t exercising his athletic prowess, he was supporting the athletic efforts of the Nebraska football and women’s volleyball teams.

Rex is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Celeste; four daughters:  Renee (Phill) Lorenzo, Denise (Dan) Drvol, Cathi (Dave) Reinmiller, Jeannine (Michel) Prosperi; one son:  Rex (Amy) Earl; thirteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one brother:  Donald (Suzie) Earl; one sister-in-law:  Glenda Earl; many nephews and nieces.

MASS of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 10:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with private interment at a later date in Omaha National Cemetery.  VISITATION with the family begins Monday, December 11, 2023 at 5:00pm at the Pacific Street Chapel with a WAKE service at 7:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Divine Mercy Pantry at St. Vincent de Paul Church or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.